These Streets Were Made for Walking

After an increasing number of serious sexual assaults on women in Glasgow, including most recently within one week of each other, a woman being subjected to gang rape in Toryglen and another young woman being raped in Govanhill, it has become clear that something has to be done to send a message to both the perpetrators and the authorities that we will not stand by and let this massive problem within our city be ignored.

Myself and Ashley Crossan who are organizing this walk are both young, female residents of Govanhill and are quite frankly, tired of harassment, and the fear of assault being a part of our daily lives, simply because we are female. We are tired of being told when we can and cannot walk around our own neighborhoods as a "preventative measure". Not to mention the taxi fares spent going from each others houses after dark for fear of walking alone! Well, what we're suggesting is that we stop putting the onus on the victim and what they can do to be 'responsible' re their own safety, and instead focus the blame right where it should be: on the rapist.

This walk is then both a show of solidarity, in support of the victims of rape, and a call to action; to encourage more police presence and support in this area and to make sure that these kind of attacks on our mothers/sisters/daughters/spouse (and indeed fathers/brothers/sons) never happen.

This is a peaceful walk, not a protest. It will take place at midnight on Monday 9th of June and we will meet at the Queens Park Gates at 11.45. The police have been informed that this event is taking place. All are invited, women, men and children. All donations will go to Rape Crisis Scotland, more information will be available in the coming few days so please do check back for further information.